How to save money on your bathroom or kitchen renovation

I spoke to my preferred builder recently about how things are going. He mentioned a disconnect between people’s budgets and the true cost to build. Similarly, I had a potential client enquiry about my fees and their response was ‘…but we don’t want anything high end.’ I explained it’s not about high or low end but time. In my experience this is how to save money on your bathroom or kitchen renovation.

Addressing functional problems and updating aesthetics        

An interior design project such as a bathroom or kitchen renovation has two key components. Firstly it’s about addressing a functional problem or realising a functional goal. For example, a structural change to create an open plan living space.

For both bathroom and kitchen renovations the functional problems vary. Each client is different. As is each space. For example, the Southbank kitchen renovation I completed the key functional issue was the size of the sink.

Another kitchen renovation I completed in Northcote the key functional issue was the size of the breakfast bar was too small. It was only big enough for two people and yet the family was a family of four people.

For a bathroom renovation project I completed in Moonee Ponds the key functional issue was about separating the shower from the bath. As well as adding an integrated bench seat in the shower.

No two projects are the same and there is a specific interior design solution for each of these clients, spaces and projects.

The other important aspect of a bathroom or kitchen renovation project is updating the aesthetics.

Similarly to addressing each individual client’s functional requirements, aesthetics are an individual choice. Each client’s interior style goal varies.

I’ve worked on kitchen renovation projects where the interior style goal ranged from Modern, to Eclectic to Mid-Century Modern.

What goes hand in hand with individual client’s style preferences is colour and materials preferences as well.

Saving money on your bathroom or kitchen renovation project

The easiest way to save money on your bathroom or kitchen renovation project is by not changing the layout.

Keeping the existing layout and only changing and updating the interior style of the space can save you a lot of money.

I’ve worked on a couple of project where the functional problems were minimal and could be addressed through an update in aesthetics only.

Once example is the kitchen in Brunswick where the client worked with Ikea on the design within the existing footprint.

But engaged my kitchen specifications only package to choose the specifications for them in line with their preferred interior style goal and colour and material preferences.

For these selections I worked with options from Ikea and other suppliers for the tile splashback. Kitchen counter surface. Handles, lighting and so on.

By not changing the layout and keeping the services where they are can save you a lot of money in your bathroom or kitchen renovation project.

This type of project is more straightforward for trades people. Less complexity in a bathroom or kitchen renovation project takes less time.

Which means engaging trades in less complex work that takes less time is a big money saver.

Another example of a specifications only project I completed was a bathroom renovation in Doncaster.

There was a slight change to the layout, in that we found space to increase the size of the shower slightly. As the client had requested an integrated bench seat.

Although an integrated bench seat was outside this client’s bench, I was able to specify a foldable seat for the shower to meet the client’s functional requirements and budget.

Bathroom and kitchen specifications only renovation projects

To help clients on a budget I have bathroom specifications only packages and kitchen specifications only packages.

This type of services costs less in interior design fees because there is no spatial configuration component.

Working with an interior design to develop a floor plan or spatial configuration requires more time. And taps into a specialised skill set the interior designer needs to be remunerated for.

A bathroom or kitchen specifications only package can address some functional problems. For example, storage and lighting.

Personally, I can’t help but see a space holistically. So if a client has identified a functional problem I try to address it in the specifications.

For example in a bathroom it might poor ventilation or temperature control or a requirement for more storage.

A specifications only bathroom renovation project includes the following;

• Bath
• Shower, screen, base, tapware, shower head, niche
• Toilet
• Vanity, Countertop, Basin, tapware, mirror, other storage
• Tiles for all surfaces, wall, floor, splashback
• Lighting
• Misc hardware & accessories; hooks & holders
• All surface finishes ie flooring, walls, ceiling.

Everything you need to completely renovation your bathroom, update the aesthetics and address some functional concerns.

This includes defining your interior style goal and colour scheme to determine an interior design strategy to align the specifications to.

A specifications only kitchen renovation project includes the following:

• Tap/Mixer
• Sink
• Cabinetry colour/s
• Door, cupboard and drawer profile
• Handles
• Splashback
• Benchtop
• Pendant lighting for kitchen counter
• All surfaces ie flooring, walls, ceilings.

Similar to the bathroom specifications package, the kitchen specifications packages includes everything you need to update the interior style of your kitchen and address some lighter functional problems.

These packages also include design implementation which is supporting you during the actual build stage of the project.

To check in, trouble shoot and ensure that your version of an aspirational space is realised for either your bathroom or kitchen.

To recap the best way to save money on your bathroom or kitchen renovation project is to keep the existing layout. This type of project reduces the complexity and time to undertake and complete. Saving you money on professional services fees such as interior designer and trades.